Our Team
Learn more about the people who help keep the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator moving.
Our Team
Executive Director
Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esquire, 2026 - Present
Jennifer Lynn Robinson, Esquire is a communications strategist, lifestyle expert, and entrepreneur with a deep passion for fashion, brand storytelling, and creative community building. As Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, Jennifer brings a unique blend of leadership, media expertise, and industry insight to support emerging designers and help strengthen Philadelphia’s fashion ecosystem.
A recognized media contributor, speaker, and content creator, Jennifer has built a dynamic platform at the intersection of fashion, lifestyle, and culture. Through her brand, Being Fancy in Philly & Beyond, she has collaborated with fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle brands while cultivating an engaged audience around style, confidence, and modern living. In 2025, she was named Best Social Media Influencer by Main Line Today.
Jennifer’s career spans communications, business strategy, and public speaking, with features and contributions across national and regional media outlets including Forbes, Entrepreneur, CBS, NBC, FOX, and PHL17. She is a former Lecturer in Business Communication at The Wharton School, where she helped develop the next generation of leaders and storytellers.
Known for her energy, creativity, and authentic leadership style, Jennifer is passionate about helping designers and entrepreneurs grow sustainable brands, expand their visibility, and connect with new audiences. Her vision for PFI centers on mentorship, innovation, and creating meaningful opportunities for Philadelphia’s fashion talent to thrive locally and beyond.
Jennifer earned her B.A. from Haverford College and her J.D. from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law.
Founding Executive Director Emeritus
Elissa Bloom, 2011-2026
Elissa Bloom is a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and global speaker who was the Founding Executive Director of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator from 2011–2026. During her tenure, she built PFI into a nationally recognized model for fashion incubation, supporting over 90 designers and helping launch brands that have achieved significant commercial success and national visibility.
In partnership with the Board of Directors, Elissa produced Philadelphia’s first Business of Fashion conference, FashCon Philly, in 2025 and 2026, establishing a dynamic platform for education, industry connection, and entrepreneurial growth.
With a career spanning corporate retail and entrepreneurship, including roles at Bloomingdale’s and Anthropologie, and as founder of her own globally distributed accessories brand, Elissa brings a unique blend of creative vision and business strategy to her work.
A sought-after speaker and advisor, she has led entrepreneurship programs and consulted with designers and organizations across the U.S., Europe, and India, helping brands successfully launch, grow, and enter new markets.
Elissa now focuses on building her global lifestyle brand, Elissa Bloom, expanding into home décor and design, while also developing educational platforms and content dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs worldwide.
She continues to serve as Founding Executive Director Emeritus of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, supporting its mission and future growth.
Board of Directors
The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator (PFI) Board of Directors is comprised of ten members from the business, academic and fashion communities. The board is responsible for all PFI policies, fundraising development, budgets and programs.
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Paula Angelucci, Divisional Sales & Operations Manager, East Coast Resorts, WHSmith North America
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Bridgett Battles, Founder, The Bridgett Battles Experience
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Conrad Booker, Founder, Conrad Booker, PFI Alumni
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Hope Jidenma, Marketing Manager, FGI Regional Director
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MarySheila McDonald, Center Director and Scarpa Professor of Entrepreneurship and Law Villanova University
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Erik Seel, Founder, FashInvest/Consultant & PFI Board Chair
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Michelle Shannon, Retail Consultant
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Mindy Solkin, Founder, BB Babes, The Fashion, Fitness, and Health Network for Baby Boomer Women